Auctions and Foreclosed Montgomery Homes
The number of people experiencing their Montgomery home
entering foreclosure is steadily increasing. Also increasing, is the number of bargains just waiting for home buyers to make a move. In RealtyTrac's April 2009 U.S. Foreclosure Market ReportTM they found that default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions were reported on 342,038 properties during the month of April alone. The increasing numbers have contributed to the thirty two percent increase since last year's April 2008 report. The report also showed one in every three hundred and seventy four homes received a foreclosure filing in April. These statistics prove foreclosure to be a growing threat to home owners. On the other hand, the foreclosure situation is benefiting people looking to purchase real estate in this buyer's market.
The amount of foreclosure properties on the market opens the door to opportunity for buyers. One way for buyers to take advantage of the opportunity to purchase a foreclosed Montgomery home is through an auction. It is important for people, especially first timers, to become educated on how to buy a home at a foreclosure auction. The first place to start would be to look up general information about the process on the internet. Then, it might be a good idea to contact a real estate agent or real estate attorney for professional help and advising. Auctions can be organized in public places or held at local courthouses. It is best to avoid auctions held at courthouses because professional investors are common competitors and there is not much, if any, time to research the physical condition and financial background of the property being auctioned. Instead, find foreclosure auction notices in the local newspaper, online, or by contacting a city official for upcoming auction dates. It is important for buyers to research the property before deciding if they will bid on it. Prior to determining your bid gather some important information about to property such as, the estimated market value, outstanding loan balances, property liens, ownership history, title information, and calculate possible monthly expenses as the future homeowner. Once a little research is done on the property, enough knowledge will be available to determine the appropriate bid. Thoroughly looking farther in to the property can maximize your chances of getting a good bargain.
There are also other options for foreclosure buyers to consider. Today, most foreclosure properties have large or multiple mortgages. This takes away from the likelihood of getting a bargain at an auction because banks will ask for bids that are more than the actual value of the property. The first alternative is to buy the property before it goes to auction, which is called a pre-foreclosure. To do this check the city records to find foreclosure properties. Then, contact the owners by writing a letter of interest. Follow up with a phone call and hope they are willing to accept an offer. Another route is to wait to see if the property sells at the auction. If the property does not see it will be put on the market by the bank it is owned by. In this case you will be able to buy the house just like it was regular real estate. Another benefit to this option is the ability to conduct a home inspection and get a mortgage. Remember, when considering the purchase of a Montgomery home through an auction make sure plenty of research is done to maximize the potential of getting a good deal. Also keep in mind that if the odds are not looking good for the auction there are always other paths to take.
Learn more about buying a foreclosed home by visiting HatTeam.com.
Are you or someone you know behind on your mortgage payment? You may be able to avoid foreclosure with a short sale. Give me a call for a private consultation.
